Oh, the Huge Manatee

A woman was arrested for riding a manatee — also known as a sea cow — in Fort De Soto Park near St. Petersburg. And worse: she was caught on camera in the act. When the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office released a photo that someone took of the incident, the suspect, identified as Ana Gloria Garcia Gutierrez, turned herself in. The state’s Manatee Sanctuary Act says it is “unlawful” for “any person at any time, by any means, or in any manner intentionally or negligently to annoy, molest, harass, or disturb or attempt to molest, harass, or disturb” the endangered species. Gutierrez, who faced a possible fine of up to $500 or a six-month jail sentence, was released on $1,500 bail.

Florida is a romantic Spanish word for Easter. Easter promises new life and it is indeed an extraordinary state in the union. Since it is now in the United States completely separated from Spain, it enjoys the luxury of America as opposed to the austerity now crushes Spain.